Jean K. Prinds

Jean K. Prinds, 96, Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully September 4, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hans Prinds, Jr., her sister, Carol Smullin-Tierney of Bartlesville, OK, and her parents, George & Louise Smullin. She is survived by her children Barbara Lester & husband Stan, Eric M. Prinds & wife Patricia, Larry A. Prinds & wife Pamela Flash, Nancy Prinds and Linda Beller & husband Steve; nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; Jerry Prinds, nephew, of Louisburg, KS, nephew Steve Tierney and nieces Kathy Tierney-Cain and Janet Tierney-Honeycutt, all of Bartlesville, OK.

Jean K. Smullin was born May 14, 1924 in Kansas City, MO. She grew up in the area that is now KU Medical Center, always roller skating with her best friend Margaret Emmick-Kiff to pass the time. She graduated from Rosedale High School in 1942. In her early 20's, Jean was quite the "looker" and modeled for a Western Auto catalogue, whom she also worked for.

In 1948, Jean met and married the love of her life Hans Prinds Jr., a dairyman from Overland Park, KS. They made a wonderful life together first in Overland Park, then moving to a farm in Olathe, KS and finally settling on Mackey Street in Overland Park where they would raise their five children and spend the rest of their lives. Jean was passionate about her family and was deeply involved in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and PTA. Jean was a true "lake person". The family enjoyed many weekends at Lake Pomme de Terre with family, friends & neighbors.

Being very strong in her faith, Lenexa United Methodist Church was another big part of Jean's life, being a member since 1956! She was very active in church circles and the church sales. The annual Trash to Treasure sale was a high point for Jean each year. She was also a frequent volunteer at Cross-Lines and at soup kitchens in the KC area.

While German in heritage, Jean and Hans were active members of the Danish Brotherhood in America. She learned to make classic Danish dishes like kransekage, ebleskiber and frikadila. Jean was a fixture at the KC Ethnic Festival for over ten years manning the Denmark booth.

Above all else, Jean was most proud of her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jean would light up whenever the kids came to visit. She took special and individual interest in what each was up to and where their dreams were leading them. Jean also kept a secret stash of chocolate in her living room and would invite them to sneak a piece when they came to visit.

She was Mom, Grandma Jean & Memaw and she made all of us better for the experience. Mom is finally at peace and in heaven with Dad. We love you and will miss you always!